30 Top Things to Do in Bangkok: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Not everyone likes Bangkok. But we love it. Every time we return, we discover something new: a hidden bar overlooking Wat Arun, a delicious hot pot restaurant in the hinterland of Chinatown, or a golden Buddha statue rising up in a forgotten neighborhood.

Kat has been visiting Bangkok since childhood, while Cam first experienced the city as a teenager on a family holiday. His first impression was a midnight check-in at a hotel on Khao San Road – a real eye-opener! We've both been here countless times and love seeing how the city has evolved over the years. We've visited the famous sights, gotten lost in the working-class neighborhoods, and of course, eaten plenty of mango sticky rice.

Bangkok can seem overwhelming and even chaotic at first. But after a few days exploring its narrow alleyways ("sois") and hidden corners, you'll quickly change your mind. This guide reveals the 30 best things to do in Bangkok, taking you off the beaten track to the most fascinating hotspots and hidden gems – places that are truly worth your time, such as the Marble Temple, the Nobu Rooftop Bar, and Song Wat Road.

30 Top Things to Do in Bangkok

1. Visit the temples of the Great Palace

No trip to Bangkok is complete without a visit to the Grand Palace, home to Thailand's most sacred temple: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). The architecture is breathtaking, from its multi-tiered roofs to its intricate gold and blue decorations. Inside the temple is the precious Emerald Buddha, carved from a single block of jade.

The absolute highlight for us, however, is the Ramakien Gallery, the first stop on a typical temple tour. The gallery features 178 murals depicting scenes from battles, heroes, and myths of Thai history. It is one of the longest continuous murals in the world, stretching over two kilometers, and offers a wonderful introduction to the Grand Palace.

Travel tip: The Grand Palace gets crowded quickly. It's best to arrive before it opens at 8:30 a.m. to easily buy tickets. Otherwise, expect long waits and crush. Plan at least two hours to explore this magnificent temple complex.

Read more: How to visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok: A detailed guide

2. Enjoy some cocktails at the Tichuca Rooftop Bar.

Tichuca Bar, located on the 46th floor of the T-One building on Sukhumvit Road, is one of our favorite rooftop bars in Bangkok. We've been there many times, whether for a romantic date or to meet Kat's friends for cocktails. Tichuca Bar is more than just a rooftop bar with a beautiful view – thanks to the LED-lit "Avatar Tree," the DJ sets that last until late at night, and the lively crowd that loves to dance and chat, there's an electric atmosphere.

Travel tip: Dress well (casual-chic), bring your passport as identification and try to arrive at 4:45 pm to catch the first elevator at 5:00 pm.

Read more: Tichuca Rooftop Bar: Bangkok's jungle bar is worth the hype

3. Enjoy a ride on a longtail boat in Wat Paknam

If you're wondering where to find Bangkok's giant Buddha statue, it's at Wat Paknam, nestled among the picturesque canals of the Phasi Charoen district. While the giant Buddha is the main attraction, don't forget to visit the emerald-green stupa inside the temple – it's equally impressive. Wat Paknam is located on the Khlong Dan Canal and is accessible by taking the MRT (blue line) to Bang Phai station.

Travel tip: Take a short boat trip on the canal next to the Buddha – it offers the best photo opportunities. Longboats and helpful guides are easy to find on the temple grounds.

Read more: Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen: How to see Bangkok's giant Buddha

4. Zipping through Bangkok in a tuk-tuk

A visit to Bangkok without a tuk-tuk ride is simply unthinkable! The wind whips through your hair, horns blare, neon lights flash by, and music blares from makeshift stereos. We especially enjoy riding at night when it's cooler and the traffic is lighter. Short rides usually cost between 100 and 200 baht, longer ones between 300 and 500 baht, but haggling is common.

Travel tip: Be careful when paying tuk-tuks in dark corners of the city. One evening, we were in a hurry to reserve a table at a restaurant and couldn't see how much baht we were giving the driver. Kat accidentally gave him a few thousand-baht notes instead of hundreds—a mistake we'll never make again!

5. Enjoy the sunset at the Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar

The Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar arguably offers the best view of Wat Arun from across the Chao Phraya River. At sunset, the temple's porcelain towers glow in shades of gold and pink, while at night it shines with a magnificent golden light across the river. The restaurant/bar's atmosphere is intimate and traditional—a cozy ambiance that provides a welcome contrast to Bangkok's more modern and glamorous rooftop bars. The Eagle Nest is the perfect choice for a romantic evening for two.

Travel tip: Reservations are not accepted at the Eagle Nest, as they only serve walk-ins. Arrive well before 5:00 PM to secure a table.

6. Explore Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)

Yaowarat Road is a vibrant place. Neon signs glow in Chinese characters, tuk-tuks jostle for parking spaces, and thousands follow their instincts in search of grilled seafood, duck noodles, mookata (Thai barbecue), Chinese hot pot, and a variety of sweet, colorful desserts. Some of our best meals here weren't even on Yaowarat Road itself—we discovered them by wandering aimlessly through the adjacent alleys and side streets. Whether you're visiting Chinatown for the first time or the tenth, a visit is always worthwhile for a fun-filled evening.

Travel tip: Book a table at POTONG in Chinatown well in advance of your trip. The restored commercial building has a Michelin star and serves award-winning Chinese-Thai cuisine.

7. Shopping and dining at ICONSIAM

We would normally advise against visiting a shopping mall, but ICONSIAM is something truly special. Not only does it offer extravagant luxury brands and breathtaking river views, but it also houses a floating market where you can buy snacks, fruit, and handcrafted goods. The architecture and the riverfront alone are worth a visit.

Travel tip: Go up to the terraces on the 7th floor to enjoy the panoramic view of the Chao Phraya River at sunset.

Kat at the entrance of ICONSIAM

8. Immerse yourself in the chaos of Khao San Road

Once the most important backpacker hub in Southeast Asia, Khao San Road has transformed over the years into a loud, colorful, and entertaining party mile. Whether you come for the cheap beer, the street tattoos, or to try scorpions, you'll always leave with a few stories to tell. When we visit Bangkok, we like to stay in the Khao San Road area—close enough to be in the thick of things, but far enough away to get a good night's sleep.

Travel tip: Rambuttri Alley, which runs parallel to Khao San Road, offers a much more relaxed atmosphere with trees, strings of lights, live music and massage parlors.

Read more: Khao San Road survival guide: What to do and what to avoid

9. Take a day trip to Ayutthaya

Just a two-hour train ride from Bangkok lies Ayutthaya – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend taking the leisurely, traditional train from the historic Hua Lamphong station to experience the authentic atmosphere of Thailand. Upon arrival, a tuk-tuk tour is a great way to discover the most famous temples: the bell-shaped chedis, the rows of Buddha statues draped in saffron cloth, and the Buddha head in the tree. A true glimpse into Thailand's glorious past.

Travel tip: Foodies will love the giant river prawns and the typical boat noodles of Ayutthaya.

Read more: Ayutthaya in a day: The complete travel guide from Bangkok

10. Treat yourself to a Thai massage in Bangkok

Checking off everything on your Bangkok bucket list can be tiring, so be sure to make time for a traditional Thai massage. This ancient Thai art relaxes tense muscles, improves circulation, and restores physical balance. Prices start at around 350–450 THB, but you'll usually pay more at an upscale salon (such as those on Sukhumvit Road).

Travel tip: Masseurs in local shops often earn only a low base salary, so even a small tip of 50–100 THB can make a big difference. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is greatly appreciated.

11. Visit the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho.

Wat Pho is a classic temple in Bangkok and a place we love to visit again and again. The 46-meter-long reclining Buddha is the absolute highlight of the complex. Its gently resting head has an instantly calming effect. Wat Pho also boasts beautiful courtyards, a large collection of Buddha statues, and a traditional massage school where you can get a massage right on the temple grounds.

Travel tip: Arrive before 9:00 AM to see the Reclining Buddha. This is absolutely essential, as the tourist crowds are relentless at midday!

Read more: How to visit Wat Pho: Home of Bangkok's reclining Buddha

12. Admire Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn)

Wat Arun is an 80-meter-high temple that rises above the Chao Phraya River, its five main spires adorned with beautiful porcelain mosaics and seashells. On our last visit, we decided to climb the central prang (part of the ascent is open to the public) to enjoy the view of the river and the Grand Palace on the opposite bank. The climb was absolutely worth it! It's highly recommended to visit the temple in person rather than just photographing it from afar: the level of detail is breathtaking.

Travel tip: Wat Arun can easily be reached by ferry from Tha Tian Pier (Pier 8).

13. Admire Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)

As the name suggests, the temple is built of marble – more precisely, Carrara marble imported directly from Italy. It's located on the northern edge of Bangkok's old city in the Dusit district, making it a bit more complicated to reach than Wat Pho or Wat Arun. However, its location means it's less crowded, allowing for a peaceful stroll through the courtyard.

Travel tip: Try to visit at sunrise or sunset. The white Italian marble beautifully reflects the soft light, and the contrast between white and gold is most intense during the "golden hour".

Read more: Bangkok's Marble Temple: How to visit Wat Benchamabophit

14. Stroll through Asiatique

We've had some surprisingly lovely evenings in Asiatique. It's a very family-friendly area, and we often meet up there with friends and their young children, who love the Ferris wheel, the cotton candy, and the live music. Asiatique is often described as an "open-air shopping mall," but it feels more like a riverside promenade. While the atmosphere is touristy, it's still very welcoming. Many friends and families meet there for meals and to watch the boats on the Chao Phraya River.

Travel tip: The restaurant on the ship is called Sirimahannop. If you plan to eat dinner there, please note that prices at Asiatique are significantly higher than in other parts of Bangkok.

15. Enjoy the street food in Bangkok

Cam will never forget his first visit to Bangkok with Kat. We were right on Khao San Road, where the street food stalls are everywhere, and Kat went somewhere with her friends, ordered Thai hot pot (Jim Jum), and we sat on plastic chairs and ate from steaming hot clay pots. The beef and pork were tender, the dipping sauce incredibly delicious, and the soup with noodles, vegetables, and egg was the perfect complement. For Kat and her friends, it was just an ordinary meal, but for Cam, it was something special.

Since then, street food has played an important role in all our Bangkok trips. Whether it's a quick Pad Kra Pao, ultra-spicy Som Tum (papaya salad), or mango sticky rice with coconut sauce – we love discovering a hidden stall away from the crowds in one of Bangkok's many nooks and crannies.

Travel tip: If you're not used to the spiciness of Thai cuisine, simply remember these three words: "ped nit noi". This means "a little spicy" or "mildly spicy".

Read more: What to eat in Thailand: 50 dishes you absolutely must try

16. Attend a Muay Thai fight in Rajadamnern

Combat sports fans and anyone looking for an entertaining evening will love the Muay Thai fights at Rajadamnern Stadium. The fights are thrilling, the entertainment is top-notch, and the atmosphere is lively – especially on Sunday evenings. It's no longer just a "men's night," as the audience increasingly consists of a mix of solo female travelers, couples, and families.

Travel tip: Be sure to book your Rajadamnern tickets online in advance.

Read more: Rajadamnern Stadium: A guide to Muay Thai in Bangkok

Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium

17. Observe monitor lizards in Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park, also known as Bangkok's "green oasis," offers a welcome respite from the concrete and glass that dominate the cityscape. Here you can relax by the lake, sit in the shade of a palm tree, and watch the world go by: groups of joggers, locals in pedal boats, and monitor lizards basking in the sun (don't worry, they're harmless).

Travel tip: Grab a coffee and go before 8:00 am, then you can watch the Tai Chi classes and morning exercise sessions.

18. Excursion to the ancient city (Muang Boran)

The ancient city, also known as Muang Boran, is a vast open-air museum in the shape of Thailand itself, located about an hour south of Bangkok. Spread across 80 hectares are meticulously recreated historical temples, palaces, and monuments. One of the most photographed sights is the Sumeru Mountain Palace, built atop a giant fish. Exploring the ancient city is easy, as bicycles and golf carts are available for rent upon arrival.

Travel tip: If you don't want to take a taxi, take the BTS Skytrain (a much cheaper alternative). You can take the green line to Kheha station and from there take a local songthaew (shared taxi).

19. Get lost in the Chatuchak Weekend Market

Did you know that the Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest weekend market in the world? Over 15,000 stalls, 27 different sections, and over 200,000 visitors await you here every weekend. Shop to your heart's content: from vintage jeans and accessories to handcrafted wood carvings and sparkling ceramics.

Travel tip: Bring cash (lots of 100 THB notes) and your best negotiating skills: You can reduce the price of some items by up to 30%.

20. Discover the street art in Talat Noi

Talat Noi is a charming, historic district where old shophouses, abandoned buildings, and even rusty car parts are adorned with street art. Once a mechanics' quarter, it has evolved over the years into a kind of open-air gallery. While searching for colorful murals, you might also stumble upon the famous metal artists who create impressive works of art like Transformers and elephants from scrap materials.

Travel tip: Thanks to its location, Talat Noi can be ideally combined with Song Wat Road and Chinatown – these districts blend seamlessly into one another.

21. Climb the Golden Mountain (Wat Saket)

The Golden Mount, perched 80 meters high on an artificial hill, offers breathtaking views from its terrace overlooking the ancient temples and the city's imposing skyscrapers. Indeed, a visit to the Golden Mount is a truly special experience: the ascent of 344 steps, accompanied by the sound of bells and gongs, the magnificent golden chedi at the summit, and the local monks and worshippers praying and earning merit there.

Travel tip: The temple closes at 7:00 pm, so there is usually enough time to watch the sunset if you don't arrive too late.

Read more: Golden Mount (Wat Saket): The best temple for sunset in Bangkok

22. Take a cooking class at the Blue Elephant.

The Blue Elephant cooking school, housed in a colonial building, has been a popular tourist destination for decades – and for good reason. It all begins with a visit to the market to buy the right amount of herbs and spices, before returning to the marble countertops to learn how to prepare Thai classics like Tom Yum Goong or green curry. The chefs are both informative and entertaining, and of course, you get to enjoy your own creations at the end. Anyone who has ever wanted to experience authentic Thai cuisine will find this the perfect opportunity!

Travel tip: The morning courses include a market visit, while the afternoon courses focus entirely on cooking. Choose accordingly. We recommend booking early, as places are limited.

23. Enjoy the view at the Nobu Rooftop Bar

The Nobu Rooftop Bar on the 60th floor of the Empire Tower undoubtedly offers the best view in all of Bangkok. We were absolutely blown away by the 360-degree panorama of the city, with the King Power Mahanakhon building in the background, while enjoying some cocktails and the famous Japanese-Peruvian cuisine.

Travel tip: Avoid taking a taxi during rush hour (like we did), otherwise you'll get stuck in traffic and miss your reservation. Instead, take the BTS to Chong Nonsi station, from which it's only a 5-minute walk.

Read more: Nobu Rooftop Bar (Bangkok): 10 things you should know before your visit

Incredible sunsets at Nobu

24. Discover the treasures of Song Wat Street

Song Wat Road offers a pleasant little shopping and dining experience in Bangkok's Chinatown. Although there was some construction going on during our visit, it didn't detract from the experience. We thoroughly enjoyed having coffee at Rabbit Cafe, browsing for small souvenirs on Road of Cinnamon, and eating bao buns with beef noodle soup. It's so easy to get lost in a narrow alleyway here – and suddenly find yourself in a cool boutique or an original piece of street art.

Travel tip: Start at one end of Song Wat Road and walk all the way along until you reach Talat Noi.

Read more: Song Wat Road (Bangkok): A guide to art, cafes and food

Cinnamon Shop Street, Song Wat Street

25. Take the Skytrain (BTS)

The BTS Skytrain is a super convenient way to get around Bangkok and avoid rush hour traffic, especially if you're staying in Sukhumvit. We recently stayed in Sukhumvit and were absolutely thrilled with the BTS. Air-conditioned trains whisked us above the traffic jams, taking us directly to popular sights, markets, and the vibrant nightlife.

Travel tip: Get a day ticket if you plan to travel to several stops using the BTS.

26. Spend one or two nights in Kanchanaburi.

Kanchanaburi is probably too far for a day trip, but an overnight stay or two is definitely worthwhile. The city offers a fantastic blend of history, culture, and nature. The Bridge on the River Kwai is Kanchanaburi's most famous landmark, where you can learn all about the railway line built during World War II. Erawan National Park, with its turquoise waterfalls and dense jungle scenery, provides a wonderful contrast to this impressive site. If you tick these two experiences off your bucket list, your day will be unforgettable.

Travel tip: We had a fantastic stay at Inchantreedoopool and highly recommend it if you are looking for accommodation for the night.

Read more: 10 Top Things to Do in Kanchanaburi: The Ultimate Travel Guide

River Kwai Bridge, Kanchanaburi

Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi

27. Celebrate the Songkran festival in Bangkok

Songkran (the Thai New Year) begins every year in April – one of the hottest and most humid months in Thailand. To escape the heat, the Thais have come up with an ingenious solution: water fights! It's a somewhat chaotic festival with buckets and water guns everywhere, but definitely one of the most unique experiences travelers can have together with the locals.

Travel tip: The best place to experience the biggest water fights is Khao San Road or Silom Road.

28. Jumping onto the back seat of a Grab motorcycle

Riding on the back of a Grab motorbike is by far the most entertaining way to get around Bangkok – even more exciting than a tuk-tuk ride! You weave through traffic, race through streets lined with skyscrapers, and find shortcuts to your destination in small alleyways ("sois").

Travel tip: For balance and safety, keep at least one hand on the rear grab handle, lean in with the driver when turning, and make sure your driver provides you with a helmet (it is, after all, required by law).

29. Experience the nightlife beyond Khao San Road.

Bangkok's nightlife offers far more than just the touristy parties of Khao San Road. Vibrant cocktail bars beckon in Thonglor and Ekkamai, Royal City Avenue (RCA) is the mecca of the club scene, and numerous relaxed venues line the riverfront. Whether you party until dawn (in true "Hangover" style) or simply enjoy a few drinks before bed, you decide how you experience Bangkok's nightlife.

Travel tip: We discovered a cool little bar called Sonny Ari, where we spent the evening with friends. We listened to live music and enjoyed delicious food and drinks. Highly recommended!

With friends at Sonny Ari

30. Party all night at the SIN Rooftop Bar

The SIN Rooftop Bar is located on the 27th floor of the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel and features a striking red DJ booth and interesting geometric patterns on the walls. We spent a few hours there, ordering drinks at the bar, listening to the DJ sets, and enjoying the beautiful view of the Chao Phraya River with passing boats and the Ferris wheel in the background. The atmosphere was relaxed until 10:00 PM. Then the bar filled up and the party atmosphere really kicked in!

Travel tip: The view isn't as spectacular as at Tichuca or Nobu, but the DJ sets are fantastic.

Read more: SIN Rooftop Bar review: The best river view in Bangkok?

Where to stay in Bangkok

Final thoughts on Bangkok

We know Bangkok has its critics, and we, too, sometimes desperately wanted to leave. Nevertheless, we always look forward to returning. The city never sleeps and is constantly evolving; every year there's something new and exciting to discover. We would never dream of skipping Bangkok and always plan four or five days to really get to know the city. Because it's simply one of those places that never ceases to amaze.

Read more: How to spend 3-5 days in Bangkok: A guide for first-time visitors